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The 2011-2012 Car of the Year Search Begins

Text: / Photos: | posted August 31, 2011 16:19

Premiere automobile awards body begins search for next Car of the Year

The search for the next Car of the Year has begun as the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI), the award-giving body composed of motoring journalists, launched their search for the 2011-2012 Car of the Year-Philippines (COTY-PH) in an intimate gathering last 26 August 2011 with media members and automotive manufacturer and distributor representatives at Congo Grille El Pueblo in Ortigas Center.

"Despite the slowdown in 2011 car sales after last year's record highs, prospects for the Philippine automotive industry continue to be bright. With automotive manufacturers and distributors bringing in the latest models and offering a wider range of product offerings, Filipino consumers now have more options to choose from, said Ferman Lao, CAGI President.

The COTY testing is open to all new passenger cars and commercial vehicles officially introduced in the Philippine market from 01 November 2010 to 31 October 2011. All eligible entries will be subjected to both qualitative and technical evaluation.

Qualitative evaluation examines the following vehicle attributes: (1) Aesthetics (interior/exterior); (2) ergonomics; (3) NVH or noise, vibration and harshness; (4) ride comfort; and (5) space. The qualitative evaluation process is conducted by all CAGI members and will be held at the Ortigas Home Depot parking lot over six weekends in September and October 2011.

For the rigorous technical testing, which will be held at the Clark International Speedway in late October 2011, a select team will conduct instrumented tests on the following parameters: (1) Acceleration, 0-100kph in seconds; (2) Braking distance, 100-0kph in meters; and (3) Handling, through a 120m chicane course.

Specific award categories vary from year to year, depending on the eligible vehicles. Typically, qualified entries are classified by:

Size: sub-compact, compact, mid-size, etc.

Function: sedan, crossover, SUV, pickup, van, truck, etc.

Drivertrain: 2WD, 4WD

Price: basic, premium, luxury, etc.

Winners of the 2011-2012 COTY-PH will be announced in an awarding cermony on April 2012, at the 2012 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.

The Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) is an award-giving body composed of motoring journalists. Every year since 2004, CAGI invites automotive manufacturers and distributors to submit their new vehicle models for technical and qualitative testing. Test results are summarized and subjected to external audit. Awards are given in various categories, with the most prestigious award being the Car of the Year Award.

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